Time's running so fast! Few hours from now, we're going to celebrate another year in our lives. There are lots to be thankful about this year for me. A lot of good things happened, same as the bad. But despite all that, I'm grateful that here I am, celebrating new year with my loved ones.

Second semester started out fine but it gave me no time to update my blog and even work on my online gigs at fiverr. I think I've mentioned in one of my previous posts that I'd take our IT Special Project this sem or what you call thesis. It is so tedious especially the documentation which I really hate, but I have no choice but to do it. For times like this, I need an icebreaker. Besides watching movies and tv series, reading books and spending time with family and my boyfriend, there's this one where I was able to test my creativity.

Yes, I'm a witch! Ravenclaw witch here from Pottermore! :) I just checked the site again yesterday because I received an email that the last chapters of book 2 (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) are open and ready to be explored. Just to give you a heads up, Pottermore is unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books.

I posted about my experience on signing up on Pottermore for its beta release. It's quite exciting! Waiting for the clues, finding the magic quill and getting sorted to the house where you'll belong. I got sorted to be a Ravenclaw. I wasn't that happy at first because I wanted to be a Gryffindor or Slytherin. But then, looks like the sorting hat really knows where you should belong!☺

Nowadays, we, women, are more conscious of our body. It's important for us that we look healthy inside and out.I gained weight when I started working in the BPO industry. It made me uncomfortable because some of my clothes wouldn't fit well anymore. I have to buy new pants, dresses and undergarments. It's insane especially when you got that belly fat from not exercising at all!

I remember when I joined this contest of Sorci age by Wacoal. You see, you can fit your face on that gorgeous body and feel confident with it! ☺ I was lucky to be chosen as one of the lucky weekly winners so I got my very own pair of underwear from Wacoal. (Thanks guys!)

I have a slim body type (not that slim ok! hehe). Don't have that sexy body but I can say that I have a beautiful body in my own age because I choose to wear the right undergarments that fit my body. It's very important to be comfortable of your own skin and the best way to feel that is to feel beautiful wearing your own pair of undergarments. Well, Wacoal bras are my favorite!

I checked their website to look for the ones that I had but saw this one instead. I want to have it! I don't understand why I like lacy undergarments though sometimes they are itchy when worn! :) Wacoal's collection is divided into three depending on your age bracket (20's here!). I think that's cool. You get to choose the pair of underwear that not only suits your body type but also suits your age.

You can be body beautiful at any age thanks to Wacoal. Be sure to visit their website so you can choose from their product list.

Rainy afternoon everyone! I've been at home for the last two days just enjoying the short break before coming back to the busy world of school. Yes, I'd be more busy next semester because I'd finally enroll the dreaded Thesis. Anyway, I wouldn't think about it for now because I'll have all the time next month to think about how my group would survive it. :)

Even before the semestral break started, I was already thinking about what to do on this little vacation from school. I said to myself, 'finally I can rest and sleep early!' Well, that's not the case because I still sleep late (due to more hours to spend on the computer/internet. hehe). I'm not being productive and I don't like it. So let me list down the things I must do before the second semester starts.

1. TV Series Marathon

While watching these tv shows would still let me spend time in the computer, at least I get to catch up on previous episodes. I just finished Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries last night. It's good! I'm looking forward to watch Season 4. Boyfriend and I have already watched the pilot episode of The Walking Dead Season 3. So far, such a good start! I understand Gossip Girl will have its final season this fall. It made me sad actually. I've watched it from the very beginning and now it's gonna end. Hopefully Blair would end up with Chuck <3

2. Make New Friendship Bracelets

I posted some of the friendship bracelets I made last summer. I did enjoy making those especially for my friends. I already have the list of patterns I'd like to make. I just have to buy more threads and buttons for the bracelets. I'm thinking of being more creative and adding some beads or chains. I'll post pictures of the bracelets when I finish! :) Also I found the kumihimo disk my friends and I bought way back in high school. I'm also excited to use it to make a different kind of bracelet. Here's a photo of the recent ones I made:

3. Read More Books!

I have like, a bunch of books on my shelf left unread. Also in my online shelf (goodreads), I've added hundreds of book on my to-read pile. I'm currently reading an ebook version of J. K. Rowling's new book - The Casual Vacancy. I find it good but very hard to read if you're not really into it. I want to finish it before I start with another. If you're not aware, I am such a bookworm. I will always love books and reading. It's kinda sad though because I hardly post any more reviews on my book blog. I hate not having enough time to do the things that I love like writing book reviews. I'm kinda hoping I can update that as well this sembreak. Next in my to read list is a book I bought from the NBS sale this year. Just covered it with adhesive plastic for protection. I care about my books you know! They are treasures.

4. Update, Clean, Organize and Rest

I want to use my free time this week as opportunity to update my blogs, clean some clutter in the house, and organize things needed for the next semester. When school works kept on coming and adding up to my priorities, I couldn't figure out what to do next. I think I have to manage my priorities this time besides school. I need to get a life where schoolworks and projects are least of my priorities. Although I need more motivation for our thesis project, it's also important to take some rest, reflect on what we have already done and find some time to do the things that will make you happy. ☺

For now, those our the things I have in mind that I need to accomplish. I don't know if that will make me productive or not. hehe I just want to have some time to relax so I can get enough energy and motivation for the next semester. How about you? Any plans for this sembreak?

(p.s. While I type this, I'm already thinking what to do on Christmas break. lol :D)

I am so happy and inspired today. I saw D after school just a while ago and he surprised me with a gift!

Lately we've been so busy that we couldn't really find the time to see each other. I was so busy with school because of the defense in our major subjects. He's also busy with work. He recently just got promoted (again! proud girlfriend here! ☺) so more work load for him. He surprised me a visit at home last Sunday but the time was not enough because my group was there and we're actually working on our project. I miss him so bad!

I'm grateful we still meet even for a short time. They are still quality time right? Those times, especially when you are with your loved ones, count the most. Anyway, we'll go out tomorrow and spend the day, afternoon, and evening together! More time for us please! : )

Needs adjustment to fit my skinny wrist

My watch is a Digital Classic Casio Model A158WA-1. So retro! The bf really knows what I like! Came with the box was a short letter from him. How sweet! He said it's a late birthday gift. I said he didn't have to buy me one but thanked him for being such a sweetie. The watch is a reminder that we'll always have time for each other no matter what. And a reminder that time will always bring us back together! haha mushy! : )

UPDATE! UPDATE! :) One of the things I had to give up for school works is blogging. I miss it. I miss expressing myself, my thoughts and opinion through this blog. It's just sad that I consider myself as a blogger when I don't constantly update my blog. : ( Anyway, I'm here again and excited to post about, what else, school stuff!

This semester was so crucial because I'm taking a prerequisite of our major thesis (IT Special Project) which is Software Engineering. I also took some major subjects so I really have to focus in order to pass all of those! We had our defense this week and so far, everything seems well! Although there were problems and some issues, my group was able to survive. The defense went smoothly though there were too many questions that sometimes we felt that we're not understood and it might not end well. I was actually confident with our project. Our proposed system is called Museum Gallery System. It's sort of a collection management system for museum collections and items that will help organize the records. I actually enjoyed the programming part because it was very challenging. I learned a lot because I had to do some research and lots of trial and error. It's insane but totally worth it!

The verdict of two of our defense was mostly revisions on the system. We're actually happy with it. We knew that our system is not that perfect and we still haven't done most of the validations needed. As much as possible, I don't want to talk about technical terms here. hehe I'm done with it during the defense! I just want to share some photos after the defense. All smiling and relieved!

Me, Mark, Mikko, and Ate Nian. Thesis group? :)

Yey! We did it! :)

School girl me!

The backpack the bf lent me.
That's what I usually use for school now because of the laptop.

Eyebags, tired, what else? But grateful! :)

So we thought sleepless and tiring nights are over. Not yet! We actually look forward to more sleepless nights because next semester, we'll already take our IT Special Projects. Good luck to my group. We'll do well again! :)

Thanks to Nuffnang and Mandaue Foam, D and I was able to watch for free the much-awaited fourth installment of the Bourne series - The Bourne Legacy. I was supposed to watch it with my best friend but the screening was moved so she couldn't make it. :( But let me tell you, the movie is more like a side story or a full spin-off with a new character called Aaron Cross. No Matt Damon on the movie besides some photos of him and references to the previous movies.

I think I've watched the previous movies before, but I can't really remember what had happened. All I know is that Matt Damon starred the previous films, he has this kind of amnesia and the movies are spy-thriller action movies. So The Bourne Legacy is all new to me. Of course I was so excited to see the film because most of the action-packed scenes were shot here in Manila. I guess everyone is as excited as me to see the streets of Manila on the big screen.

The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.

First of all, I don't want to be such a spoiler. haha I don't really make movie reviews but sometimes I just have to post what I thought about the movie. As I've mentioned, I was quite excited to see the film especially that first time when I learned that the film was shot here in our dearest country. This is new. Although I'm guessing a lot of Hollywood films have also been shot here, it's special because it was really mentioned and acknowledged in the film that the protagonists are going to "Manila". And when Rachel Weisz said "In Manila" for the first time, people inside the movie house buzzed and I felt the excitement as we wait them to land in Manila.

I see mixed reviews about the movie. That it lacks the brilliance of the previous movies in the series is one of them. I'll be biased here because Jeremy Renner is the star of the film! haha Besides the sexy body and that action star face, he did quite well here. I admit at first I was so confused. I couldn't understand what this program Treadstone is all about and the significance of the previous stories to what's happening now. Eventually I was able to catch up and understand what's going on.

Renner plays Aaron Cross, one of the agents within the program where they take blue and green pills to enhance their physical and mental abilities. Rachel Weisz plays the role of Dr. Marta Shearing, one of the scientists that supervises check ups for the agents. Then comes Eric Byer played by Edward Norton who decided to terminate the agents of the program including the scientists. Fortunately, Cross and Shearing survived the assassination then they later fled to Manila to viral off Cross from the meds.

So there they went to Manila and got chased by everyone! haha That was actually a long chase sequence. We see the crowded streets of Manila, the jeepneys, the heavy traffic and all. But then the pride is there. We saw the familiar faces of our great Indie actors in the movie. The actors did a great job. I really admire Rachel Weisz' acting here. Also Jeremy Renner! I was obsessing over him last night and watched behind the scene videos until I felt sleepy. haha : )

The last part which was shot in Palawan is beautiful. But then the ending... how come I felt so bitin and the movie just stopped and the credits start to appear on the screen? Well, let's see for the sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the movie and seeing Manila and Palawan in the big screen! And of course Jeremy Renner. : )

Last Monday, I attended the ICT acquaintance party held at SMX Convention Center. The theme is modern vintage. It was kinda hard to look for a dress. I want to look more modern than vintage. hehe My mother bought me a dress that I really liked with almost the same print as the wedges the bf and I bought at the I'm Shoe In Love sale at the NBC Tent.

I wasn't able to take photos of the show. It was just all about the beauty pageant and some intermission from the bands. I didn't even get to take photos of the food! I was famished I totally forgot. The food wasn't bad at all. It was Tamayo's who catered the food. I loved the squash soup and the tiny brownies dessert. The main dishes were the usual. Just roasted chicken (like really small cuts!) and if I'm not mistaken the other one is the unpopular pork hamonado. The event was still a success. So again picture time after the party! :)

Here's the official trailer of Breaking Dawn Part 2! Who's excited to watch? Besides Twilight, Breaking Dawn is one of my favorite book in the series. I think the most anticipated part would be the battle with the Volturi. Hopefully the movie will be good. Gotta reread the book for the finale! Of course the bf and I will watch in November, right baby? ☺

It's June 13 tomorrow, start of classes, but I'm not yet prepared! I still have vacation hangover. I had fun this summer especially last month. Of course I'll never forget our trip to Tanay at JE Camp Hotel and Resort where I had so much fun. Last month was also my bf and I's anniversary and it's our first time together at Manila Ocean Park. I really enjoyed it! You see, still not ready for school! hehe

As much as I want to spend another month of vacation, I have to get ready for school. D (the bf's initial) and I went on a date this last weekend. Initially we thought of going to Greenbelt and so I can drop by to nearby malls (SM Makati, Glorietta, and Landmark) for my schoolbag hunt. Honey overslept so we ended going to Boni High Street for dinner and Market! Market! to buy my schoolbag.

Dinner at Brothers Burger

We tried Happy Lemon for the first time!

I know this post is about me going back to school but I just have to make kwento about our Happy Lemon experience. I ordered Lemon Yakult regular and he, the Milk Tea w/ Oreo Cookies. The Lemon Yakult is quite good. I liked it. However, the bf didn't like the milk tea! haha He said it tasted like tobacco! I was laughing so hard because the first time I tried milk tea years ago, I had the same reaction to the taste. So I know now to avoid the said tea.

Ok, back to schoolbag hunt. ☺ I was looking for a bag that's huge enough since I always bring a lot (besides pens and notebooks, I bring novel books, umbrella, wallet, kikay kit, etc, etc... other unnecessary things) to school. I always have my eye on bags from Follow Your Heart at Market! Market! They have great selections from shoulder bags, backpacks to travel bags all for you girls! I like their unique designs too!
I chose to buy the Charlie Tote Bag w/ Eiffel Tower Embroidery.

I bought the one with the red handle! I really like it especially the Eiffel Tower embroidery. I have this dream of going to Paris someday. Hoping it would come true. For now, I have to prepare for school! :)

Wow! So, I just watched the official trailer of The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie and I must say, I'm excited to watch the film! The movie is an adaptation of the book with the same title by Stephen Chbosky. I just learned that he also directed and wrote the screenplay. Amazing! Well, I haven't read the book yet so gotta read it soon. Here's the official trailer:

Oh how I love Emma's American accent. Just watching the trailer, you'd know that Emma did a great job here as an actress. I see her here as Emma herself and not Hermione. : ) The release date would be on September. I still have time to read the book!

These days of the end of summer vacation, I'm just at home and no plans (or budget) to go out. Good thing I was able to win free tickets for the screening of Snow White and The Huntsman. Thanks to Nuffnang and Skin White! So it was a movie date with the boyfriend! :)

The free screening was held at Shangri-La Mall and I really wanted to go there not only to watch the movie but also to try the Bonchon Chicken. When we arrived, we went immediately to the resto. There were a lot of people because it was already dinner time but fortunately we're able to get seats.

Wings Ricebox (Soy Garlic Chicken Wings)

Fish and Chips Box

I was actually craving for buffalo wings. I searched the web to look for a restaurant where we can try buffalo wings when I came across Bonchon Chicken. I learned that they have a branch at Shangri-La Mall and that made me really excited to try it. We ordered the Boxed Meals. I ordered the Wings Ricebox and my boyfriend ordered the Fish and Chips Box. The two cost P145 each with drinks! Well most of the Boxed Meals are priced below P150. I think it's worth the money!

Bonchon Chicken is one of those popular restaurants that offer "twice-fried" chicken. The "double frying technique" as they call it is used to create the crispy chicken skin in the first fry and then it would be fried again but this time with the tasty sauce. Bonchon is the original double-fried chicken from Korea and tagged as the Best Chicken in America.

My verdict: Awesome goodness! The chicken was so addicting. I liked the sweet and flavorful taste of the soy garlic that will make you want more. My order was served with rice but I wanted to ignore the rice and just savor the sweetness of the chicken wings. The chicken wings were fried golden brown and the skin is really crispy. You'll hear the cracking sound when you bite! The meat is lean, not too juicy but not dry at all. I don't know if there's breading or not but there's no hint of it. Great!

The bf gave me one of his fish strips so I was able to taste it. The fish fillet is dory, also coated with the same one as my soy garlic chicken wings. It also tastes good! It came with the delicious fries that are definitely great for snacks.

Unfortunately we're not able to take photos of the interior because of the dinner crowd. After we ate, we went immediately to the cinema to get our tickets. I thought we're early but there were already a lot of bloggers who got their tickets and chose their seats. We ended up seating at the right far end from the screen.